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Commissioner-in-Charge's Budget Message

On Monday I will release my proposed budgets for the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) and the Water Bureau. For the third straight year, I directed our public utilities to keep their combined rate increase under 5 percent, and once again they’ve delivered.

Budgets reflect values, choices and priorities. As part of our continuing commitment to transparency and accountability, I want to address three important questions I am often asked: what drives rate increases, what do I get for my money, and does my voice count?

Finally, we are committed to making our system more resilient. Portland is at risk of a major earthquake. When the “Big One” hits, we need to be prepared. That’s why the budget includes critical investments to fortify our reservoirs and the pipes under the Willamette River.

No one likes to pay more for a basic service, especially when other household bills keep going up. A key issue for my family is: are we getting good value in return?

How do our combined water, sewer and stormwater bills stack up against comparable cities? A family of four would pay double or more for the same services in Seattle, San Francisco or Atlanta. Another way of looking at value is to ask what would happen if we cut corners? Flint, Michigan is a stark reminder that investing in our water system isn’t just good policy, it’s a matter of public health and safety.

Last year, in response to community concerns, I fulfilled a commitment to improve oversight and transparency by creating a new citizen-led Portland Utility Board (PUB). I also invited the highly regarded Citizens’ Utility Board (CUB) to serve as an outside, independent advocate for our ratepayers. The CUB paid immediate dividends, recommending that we end an outdated developer subsidy. Together, the PUB and the CUB are helping us craft a responsible budget and plan for the future.

Your voice matters, too. In the months ahead, there will be plenty of opportunities for the families and businesses we serve to weigh in. Our proposed budgets will be posted online at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/cbo. I encourage you to attend a PUB meeting, participate in one of our community budget forums, or contact me directly at nick@portlandoregon.gov.

It is an honor to lead our public utilities. Working together, we can continue to deliver high quality services at a fair price, invest ratepayer dollars wisely, and protect our precious natural resources for generations to come.